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Central Honshū

Shopping in Central Honshū

  1. A

    Mori no Kotoba

    Woodworking also extends to furniture shops.

    reviewed

  2. Shopping in Nagoya

    The streets around the Ōsu Kannon temple host some of Nagoya's most enthusiastic browsers. Along Ōsu Kannon-dōri and its continuation, Banshō-ji-dōri, a youthful energy fills vintage clothing shops, electronics and music shops, cafés and a hodge-podge of old and new; look for yen=g, which sells used clothing by weight, or Kurazanmai for discount kimono, obi and accessories (though still not cheap-cheap).

    reviewed

  3. Shopping in Meidōchō district

    The specialty in the Meidōchō district, north of Nagoya Station and west of Nagoya-jō, is okashi, Japanese snacks and penny nibbles (sembei rice crackers to sweet-potato sticks, dried fish to sponge cake), plus small toys like action figures, beads and balloons. Dozens of wholesalers display their wares in a manner that may dispel any notion of Japanese neatness.

    reviewed

  4. B

    Miya-gawa Market

    Miya-gawa Market Asa-ichi take place every morning and provide a pleasant way to start the day, with a stroll past gnarled farmers at their vegetable stands and stalls selling crafts, pickles, souvenirs and that all-important steaming cuppa joe. Located along the east bank of the river Miya-gawa, between Kaji-bashi and Yayoi-bashi.

    reviewed

  5. Shopping Centres

    Other major shopping districts are in Sakae and around Nagoya Station with malls above ground and below. For crafts, browse in the giant department stores, such as Matsuzakaya (two locations, next to Nagoya Station and in Sakae), Maruei and Mitsukoshi in Sakae, or Takashimaya or Meitetsu & Kintetsu near Nagoya Station.

    reviewed

  6. Jinya-mae Market

    Jinya-mae Market Asa-ichi take place every morning and provide a pleasant way to start the day, with a stroll past gnarled farmers at their vegetable stands and stalls selling crafts, pickles, souvenirs and that all-important steaming cuppa joe. Located in front of Takayama-jinya (Historical Government House).

    reviewed

  7. Nakamachi Kura-Chic-Kan

    The narrow streets of former merchant district Nakamachi make a fine setting for a stroll, as most of its storehouses have been transformed into galleries, craft shops and cafés. Nakamachi Kura-Chic-Kan is just one option, showcasing locally produced arts and crafts, with a relaxing coffee house next door.

    reviewed

  8. Berami

    Temari and dolls are found here. Doll styles include tanabata and oshie-bina (dressed in fine cloth).

    reviewed

  9. 100 Yen Shop

    Tatemachi is to Kanazawa what Takeshita-dōri is to Tokyo: young and trendy. The 100 Yen Shop here has an amazing assortment, from housewares to toys.

    reviewed

  10. Heiandō bookshop

    Facing the station, Nagano's largest bookshop carries English-language books and magazines (4th floor).

    reviewed

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  12. C

    Murakami

    Murakami is a handsome wagashi (Japanese candy) shop next to the Nomura samurai house.

    reviewed

  13. Kankō Bussankan

    For a quick view of Kanazawa crafts, you can visit Kankō Bussankan.

    reviewed

  14. D

    Kinokuniya Books

    In the Meitetsu Men's-kan building, south of Nagoya Station. Has English-language titles.

    reviewed

  15. Sanseidō Books

    On the 11th floor of JR Takashimaya department store at Nagoya Station.

    reviewed

  16. Kikuya Bookshop

    Small selection of English-language titles; beneath Kōrinbo 109.

    reviewed

  17. E

    Libro Books

    Located downstairs from Ishikawa Prefectural International Exchange Centre (石川県国際交流センター), Libro sells English-language books and magazines.

    reviewed

  18. Maruzen Books

    On busy Hirokoji-dōri.

    reviewed

  19. F

    Suzuki Chōkoku

    Helmed by the one-time head of the local ittobori association; sells figurines and accessories priced from ¥750 to how much?

    reviewed

  20. Sakaida Eikichi Honten

    This place makes and sells wagasa (from ¥10,000). It's a 10-minute walk from JR Gifu Station. Turn left from the south exit, and turn right at the second stoplight. Sakaida is at the next corner.

    reviewed

  21. Ozeki Chōchin

    For Gifu chōchin, try Ozeki Chōchin. From Ken-Sōgōchōsha-mae bus stop, walk east. It's by the temple Higashi Betsuin.

    reviewed

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  23. G

    Maruzen

    On busy Hirokōji-dōri. Has English-language titles.

    reviewed

  24. H

    Kanazawa Kutani Museum

    On a corner in the Nagamachi samurai district in a wonderful old house with a garden, this is a lovely place if a bit of a misnomer; it's really a shop selling mostly high-end ceramic ware with a small museum of historic Kutani ware in the old storehouse and a cafe.

    reviewed

  25. Asa-ichi

    This market is highly entertaining, though undeniably touristy. Some 200 fishwives ply their wares – seafood, crafts etc – with sass and humour that cuts across the language barrier. To find the market, walk north along the river from the Wajima Shikki Shiryōkan and turn right just before Iroha-bashi.

    reviewed